Bengaluru, 12 April

While the caste census report is set to be discussed at the special Cabinet meeting to be chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on 17 April, several communities have expressed their reservations, a number of others have opposed it and sought a fresh exercise.

Karnataka Rajya Vokkaliga Sangha President B Kenchappa Gowda told reporters that the survey report is faulty.

"This survey report has no basis. It's faulty. It has been done based on the 2011 census, which is meaningless. Further, no one from our community ever saw enumerators but yet the caste census was conducted, which itself raises doubt," Gowda, who belongs to the Vokkaliga community, said.

Jagadika Lingayat Mahasabha Principal General Secretary SM Jamdar, who is a retired IAS officer, said the caste census was illegal and defective.

Jamdar explained that when an entire population is surveyed then it's called a census and when a small part of the population is covered then it's called a sample survey.

According to him, there was cheating by the people for the purpose of availing reservation for their children's education and employment during the survey.

He said people included their castes in the backward communities to avail reservation benefits.

Lingayats are another major community in Karnataka who hold sway in the State.

Basavaprabhu Swamiji, who is in charge of the Murugha Matha in Chitradurga, said, "We will wait for the recommendations to come out in public to take a decision on this. We have to see whether it is favourable or against us. The Akhila Bharata Veerashaiva Mahasabha will take a final call on it."

The contentious Socio-Economic and Educational Survey, caste census in short, was submitted before the state cabinet on Friday.

Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil told reporters after the cabinet meeting that the caste census report has been submitted and there will be a detailed discussion on it in the 'special cabinet meeting' on 17 April.